Consultation over leisure plan flawed

CONSULTATION on the future of leisure facilities in the borough is fundamentally flawed, according to an Oldham councillor.

Liberal Democrat leader Howard Sykes has hit out at what he sees as omissions and flaws in the consultation exercise.

He said: “A detailed look at what is missing from this consultation exercise shows how poorly thought out it is; there is no mention of the Millennium Centre or the Pakistani Community centre, Bishops Park pitch and putt site merits just a heading and, the largest venue in the borough, the Queen Elizabeth Hall, is totally ignored.

“In addition to those omissions we have a simplistic and over-confident picture painted about resolving the difficult issue of wider public use of leisure facilities within schools and academies.”

People have until November 22 to voice their opinions about plans to overhaul the borough’s leisure facilities.

Plans to replace both Royton pool and Crompton baths in Shaw with one facility have met fierce opposition from residents.

Potential redevelopment sites in Shaw are now under consideration for the new leisure centre, something that Councillor Sykes welcomed.

But he added: “The change of heart over the Crompton pool replacement is welcome, but moving the goalposts half way through the consultation period only adds weight to the view that this consultation is woefully incomplete, inadequate and fundamentally flawed.

“Ultimately, the true litmus test has to be whether the final decision is influenced in any way by the consultation responses.”

He’s submitted a motion to be considered at the full council meeting on Wednesday, November 9, calling for a comprehensive and transparent process.

If approved, it will mean the council will resolve to note significant flaws in information provided to residents, ensure consultation is comprehensive and that public views are fully taken into account.